CN117098708A

CN117098708A - Aircraft cabin cabinet incorporating equipment for crew and passengers

Info

Publication number: CN117098708A
Application number: CN202280022003.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·拉耶
Original assignee: Safran Seats SA
Current assignee: Safran Seats SA
Priority date: 2021-03-16
Filing date: 2022-02-28
Publication date: 2023-11-21

Abstract

The invention relates to a cabinet (17.1, 17.2) for an aircraft cabin (10), comprising: -at least a first cabinet module (18) comprising: -a front face (21) and a rear face (22), -a front portion (19), referred to as a "crew-specific portion", which houses equipment intended for use by a crew, and-a second portion (20), referred to as a "passenger-specific portion", which comprises elements specific to a passenger seat (13), -the crew-specific portion (19) and the passenger-specific portion (20) extending between the front face (21) and the rear face (22) of the first cabinet module (18), -the crew-specific portion (19) and the passenger-specific portion (20) longitudinally overlap each other along the longitudinal axis of the cabinets (17.1, 17.2).

Description

Aircraft cabin cabinet incorporating equipment for crew and passengers

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aircraft cabin cabinet incorporating equipment for crew and passengers. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to commercial aircraft.

Background

In a manner known per se, a kitchen module (also called "kitchen room") is a cabinet inside an aircraft, which in particular accommodates a trolley, a storage space and equipment for cooking or heating food, such as a refrigerator, an oven, a coffee machine, a water kettle, a water source or any other equipment that can be used on board an aircraft to prepare a beverage or dish.

The galley module may house a cart and/or a half cart having a smaller capacity than the cart. The trolley or semi-trolley is configured to be able to store the dinner plates and/or the beverages and the equipment (cups, carafe, bottles, jars or other) required to hold them.

On the passenger side, the seat chest may for example comprise a storage space with one or more elements in a literature pocket, bottle rack or mini-bar. The choice of storage space may be constructed according to the wishes of the airlines. The cabinet may also include a housing with foot pedals (also referred to as footrests).

The cabinet and kitchen modules are subjected to certification tests to control their mechanical behavior during impact. Thus, the manufacturer of the galley modules and/or cabinets must demonstrate to the aircraft manufacturer the compatibility between the product design and certification requirements issued by the aircraft manufacturer or civil aviation office.

The cabinet and the galley module are two distinct elements that must be separated from each other by a space (referred to as an "offset space") to avoid load sharing between them during deformation of them caused by an impact. This ensures that the cabins maintain their structural and functional integrity in the event of an accident.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cabinet configuration that allows eliminating the offset space in order to optimize the integration of the passenger seat inside the aircraft cabin.

More specifically, the object of the invention is a cabinet for an aircraft cabin, comprising:

-at least one first cabinet module comprising:

a front side and a rear side,

a first part, called "crew part", which houses the equipment used by the crew, and

a second part, called "passenger part", comprising elements specific to the passenger seat,

the crew portion and the passenger portion extend between the front side and the rear side of the first cabinet module,

-the crew and passenger parts longitudinally overlap each other along the longitudinal axis of the cabinet.

The invention thus makes it possible to eliminate the offset space between two separate conventional cabinets by integrating the crew and passenger parts in the same cabinet. The invention thus reduces the space between the front side and the rear side of the aircraft seat cabinet while maintaining the same storage volume and without compromising the comfort of the passengers. The invention also makes it possible to make the seating layout denser by allowing in some cases the installation of an additional row of seats inside the aircraft cabin.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the crew portion comprises a galley module accommodating at least one element selected from a trolley, a half-trolley, a refrigerator or an oven.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the crew member part comprises a storage space, which contains equipment used by the crew member.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the crew portion includes a multimedia system control center.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the crew member portion comprises a housing in which the foot pedal is arranged.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the passenger portion includes a space for receiving a meal lid (meal flap) in a stored state.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the passenger portion includes passenger seats that are authenticated or unauthenticated during landing and take-off phases.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the passenger section comprises a storage space for a baby basket (Moses basket).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the passenger portion carries a multimedia system video screen.

According to one embodiment of the invention the height of the crew part is greater than the height of the passenger part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the crew portion and the passenger portion have a common dividing wall.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the common dividing wall forms a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cabinet.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabinet further comprises a second cabinet module having a front side and a rear side, the rear side of the second cabinet module being attached to the front side of the first cabinet module, wherein there is no offset space between the rear side of the second cabinet module and the front side of the first cabinet module.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cabinet further comprises a third cabinet module having a front side and a rear side, the rear side of the third cabinet module being attached to the front side of the second cabinet module, wherein there is no offset space between the front side of the second cabinet module and the rear side of the third cabinet module.

The invention also relates to an aircraft cabin comprising at least one seating unit and at least one cabinet as defined above.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which includes an embodiment given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented by way of non-limiting example, which can be used to complete an understanding of the invention and to complete a presentation of the implementation of the invention, and which, if necessary, contribute to the definition of the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial top view of a single aisle aircraft cabin including two seat units and two cabinets, each cabinet including a crew portion and a passenger portion;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an assembly formed by an aircraft cabin cabinet and associated seating units according to the present invention;

fig. 3 is a top view of a first alternative embodiment of an aircraft cabin cabinet according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a second alternative embodiment of an aircraft cabin cabinet according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a third embodiment of an aircraft cabin cabinet according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of an aircraft cabin cabinet according to the invention;

fig. 7 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of an aircraft cabin cabinet according to the invention.

Detailed Description

It should be noted that elements of structure and/or function common to different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, these elements have the same structural, dimensional, and material characteristics.

Furthermore, relative terms such as "horizontal" or "vertical" are to be understood by reference to their conventional meaning given by a passenger seated in an aircraft seat.

Fig. 1 is a partial view of a nacelle 10 of a single aisle aircraft, the nacelle 10 having a longitudinal axis X1, the nacelle 10 comprising two seat units 11.1, 11.2 separated from each other by an aisle 12. Each seating unit 11.1, 11.2 conventionally comprises a seat 13 associated with a side console 15, the side console 15 being provided with a storage space in particular. These storage spaces (e.g., literature pockets, bottle holders, or mini bars) may be constructed at the discretion of the airline. The privacy shells 16 at least partially surround the respective seats 13 so as to delimit a semi-enclosed space around the passengers. This configuration makes it possible to secure the privacy of the passenger seated in the seat 13.

The seat 13 is advantageously provided with dynamics allowing its movement between a "sitting" position and a "lying" position. In particular in seating positions used during the stop, take-off and landing phases of the aircraft, the seat 13 is configured so as to be able to define the seating position of the passengers. In the "lying" position, the seat 13 is configured to define a flat surface, advantageously a substantially horizontal flat surface. An intermediate comfort position, such as a "relaxed" position, in which the seat back 13 is significantly reclined, may also be provided.

The seat 13 has an axis X2, the axis X2 being defined by the intersection between the horizontal plane and the vertical median plane of the seat 13. The intermediate plane may correspond generally to the plane of symmetry of the seat 13. The axis X2 of the seat 13 forms a non-zero angle, for example about 45 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal axis X1 of the aircraft cabin 10. In this case, the two seats 13 shown rotate in a direction opposite to the longitudinal axis X1 of the aircraft cabin 10. This corresponds to a reverse chevron configuration. As a variant, in the classical herringbone configuration, the seat 13 rotates in the direction of the longitudinal axis X1. Alternatively, the axis X2 of the seat 13 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the aircraft cabin 10.

Each seating unit 11.1, 11.2 is arranged opposite a respective cabinet 17.1, 17.2. The cabinets 17.1, 17.2 comprise at least a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 comprising a first part 19 and a second part 20, the first part 19 being called "crew part", accommodating equipment used by the crew and the second part 20 being called "passenger part", comprising elements specific to the passenger seat 13.

The crew portion 19 and the passenger portion 20 extend between a front side 21 and a rear side 22 of the first cabinet module 18. The front side 21 faces the crew-specific space. The rear side 22 faces the opposite side towards the seating units 11.1, 11.2. The cabinet module 18 further comprises two sides 30, 31, the two sides 30, 31 being arranged on the sides of the aircraft cabin wall and the sides of the aisle, respectively.

The crew portion 19 and the passenger portion 20 overlap each other longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X3 of the cabinet 17.1. The longitudinal axis X3 of the cabinets 17.1, 17.2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis X1 of the aircraft cabin 10. Due to the longitudinal overlap of the two portions 19 and 20 of the cabinets 17.1, 17.2, there is at least one straight line D perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X3 of the cabinets 17.1, 17.2, which intersects the first portion 19 and the second portion 20 of the cabinets 17.1, 17.2.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the crew portion 19 of the cabinet 17.1 comprises a galley module 23, the galley module 23 accommodating at least one element selected from a trolley, a half-trolley, a refrigerator or an oven. In the example shown, the crew portion 19 comprises one trolley 24 and two half trolleys 24'. Of course, the number and capacity of trolleys 24 integrated in the galley module 23 can vary depending on the configuration of the cabinet 17.1 and the aircraft capacity.

Further, the passenger portion 20 includes a housing in which a footrest 25 (also referred to as a footrest) is disposed. The housing is open towards the respective seating unit 11.1, 11.2. When the seat 13 is in the lying position, the flat surfaces defined by the seat 13 are located at the same height and preferably at the extension of the respective footrest 25. Thus, the flat surface of the seat 13 in the reclined position and the inner surface of the footrest 25 define a bed surface for the passenger. The footrests 25 have an axis parallel or coincident with the axis of the respective seat 13.

A video screen 27 of a multimedia system called IFE system (for "in-flight entertainment system") may be placed on the rear side of the passenger section.

The crew portion 19 and the passenger portion of the first cabinet module 18 advantageously have a common dividing wall 29. The common dividing wall 29 forms a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis X3 of the cabinet 17.1. Thus, the crew portion 19 and the passenger portion 20 each have a trapezoidal shape.

The crew portion 19 and the passenger portion 20 of the first cabinet module 18 have openings in two different directions in order to allow access to the elements of the galley module (trolley or other) and the passengers to the footrests 25, respectively.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the height H1 of the crew portion 19 of the cabinet 17.1 is greater than the height H2 of the passenger portion 20. The heights H1, H2 are measured relative to the floor 33 of the aircraft cabin. Indeed, the galley module 23 may extend along the entire height H1 of the aircraft cabin 10 in a so-called "full-height" configuration. The galley module 23 may then comprise one or more carts 24 or half carts 24' in the lower part and devices such as ovens, refrigerators, coffee machines or other in the upper part.

The height H2 of the passenger portion 20 including the footrest 25 is lower than the height of the luggage rack 36 in the upper portion of the aircraft cabin 10. According to this configuration, it is called a "half eight (half light)" or "under the bin" configuration. The height H2 may correspond to the height H3 of the housing 16 of the seating units 11.1, 11.2.

In the lower part, the cabinet 17.1 can be fixed on a fixed track for the floor 33 of the aircraft cabin 10. The portion 19 forming the galley module 23 may be fastened to the wall of the aircraft cabin of the upper part of the aircraft cabin by means of fasteners provided for this purpose.

The crew portion 19 of the cabinet 17.2 comprises a storage space 38 which can accommodate equipment used by the crew, such as wheelchairs or curtains for rest areas.

As a variant, the crew portion 19 comprises a multimedia system control center, called VCE ("video crew center"), which makes it possible to manage the operation of the multimedia system associated with the passenger seat 13 of the aircraft cabin 10. The control center may comprise a computer, for example, on a table associated with the seat.

In the embodiment of fig. 3, the cabinet 17.1 comprises a first cabinet module 18 provided with a passenger portion 20 comprising foot pedals 25 and a crew portion 19 comprising a storage space 38.

The cabinet 17.1 further comprises a second cabinet module 39, the second cabinet module 39 comprising the kitchen module 23. The second cabinet module 39 is attached to the first cabinet module 18. The galley module 23 has four half carts 24' arranged next to each other. The number of half carts 24' may of course vary depending on the configuration of the aircraft cabin 10 and the aircraft capacity.

The second cabinet module 39 has a front side 40 and a rear side 41. The rear side 41 of the second cabinet module 39 is joined to the front side 21 of the first cabinet module 18 with no off-set space between the rear side 41 of the second cabinet module 39 and the front side 21 of the first cabinet module 18.

The cabinet 17.2 comprises a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 being provided with a passenger portion 20 comprising foot pedals 25 and a crew portion 19 comprising a storage space 38. The cabinet 17.2 further comprises a second cabinet module 39, the second cabinet module 39 comprising a storage space 38.

The assembly between the first and second cabinet modules 18, 39 of the respective cabinets 17.1, 17.2 may be carried out via fastening means, such as screws, rivets, studs or any other fastening means suitable for the application. The cabinets 17.1, 17.2 are made of several modules, in particular of two or more cabinet modules, to allow them to pass through the doors of the aircraft cabin 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 4, the cabinet 17.1 comprises a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 being provided with a passenger portion 20 comprising a footrest 25 and a crew portion 19 comprising a storage space 38.

The cabinet 17.1 further comprises a second cabinet module 39 and a third cabinet module 43, the second cabinet module 39 comprising the storage space 38, the third cabinet module 43 forming the kitchen module 23. The third cabinet module 43 comprises four carts 24 arranged adjacent to each other. Of course, the number of carts 24 may vary depending on the configuration of the aircraft cabin 10 and the aircraft capacity.

The first cabinet module 18, the second cabinet module 39, and the third cabinet module 43 are different modules relative to each other. The cabinet modules are assembled in pairs by fastening means, such as screws, rivets, studs or any other fastening means suitable for the application.

The front side 21 of the first cabinet module 18 is joined to the rear side 41 of the second cabinet module 39 with no off-set space between the rear side 41 of the second cabinet module 39 and the front side 21 of the first cabinet module 18.

In addition, the third cabinet module 43 has a front side 44 and a rear side 45, the front side 40 of the second cabinet module 39 being joined to the rear side 45 of the third cabinet module 43, wherein there is no offset space between the rear side 45 of the third cabinet module 43 and the front side 40 of the second cabinet module 39.

In the embodiment of fig. 5, the cabinet 17.1 comprises a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 being provided with a passenger portion 20 comprising a footrest 25 and a crew portion 19 comprising a storage space 38.

The cabinet 17.1 further comprises a second cabinet module 39 formed by the kitchen module 23. The galley module 23 comprises four carts 24 arranged adjacent to each other. In other words, the configuration of the cabinet 17.1 is similar to the configuration of the cabinet 17.1 in fig. 3, except that the half trolley 24' has been replaced by a trolley 24.

As previously mentioned, the individual modules of each cabinet 17.1, 17.2 are attached to each other with no offset space between them.

In the embodiment of fig. 6, the cabinet 17.1 comprises a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 being provided with a passenger portion 20, the passenger portion 20 comprising a footrest 25 and a passenger seat 26, which may be authenticated or unauthenticated during landing and take-off phases.

The first cabinet module 18 also includes a crew portion 19, the crew portion 19 including a storage space 38 and a crew seat 37 referred to as a CAS ("cabin crew seat") seat.

The cabinet 17.2 comprises a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 being provided with a passenger portion 20 comprising foot pedals 25 and a crew portion 19 comprising a storage space 38.

In the embodiment of fig. 7, the cabinet 17.1 comprises a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 being provided with a passenger portion 20, the passenger portion 20 comprising a footrest 25 and a passenger seat 26, which may be authenticated or unauthenticated during landing and take-off phases.

The first cabinet module 18 further comprises a crew portion 19, the crew portion 19 comprising a galley module 23, the galley module 23 comprising two carts 24 and one half cart 24' and a lateral storage space 38.

The cabinet 17.2 comprises a first cabinet module 18, the first cabinet module 18 being provided with a passenger portion 20 comprising foot pedals 25 and a crew portion 19 comprising a storage space 38. The second cabinet module 39 comprises a storage space 38 and a crew seat 37.

Alternatively, the passenger portion 20 may include a space for receiving a meal cap in a stored state and/or a storage space 38 for a baby basket or mini-bar.

The invention may be implemented with an aircraft cabin that is different from a single aisle cabin, in particular with an aircraft cabin having two aisles 12 or more. In addition, the number of cabinets 17.1, 17.2 within the aircraft cabin 10 can be adjusted according to the available space and the requirements. Thus, for a particular type of nacelle, it is not necessary to systematically provide two cabins 17.1, 17.2 in the example shown in the figures. It is thus possible to produce an aircraft cabin comprising a single cabinet or more than two cabinets 17.1, 17.2.

Of course, different features, variations and/or embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is provided as an example only. The invention includes all modifications, alternatives and other variations which may occur to those skilled in the art in the context of the invention, and in particular all combinations of the various modes of operation described previously, taken alone or in combination.

Claims

1. A cabinet (17.1, 17.2) for an aircraft cabin (10), characterized in that it comprises:

-at least one first cabinet module (18), the at least one first cabinet module (18) comprising:

a front side (21) and a rear side (22),

-a first part (19), said first part (19) being referred to as "crew part", said first part (19) housing equipment used by the crew, and

a second portion (20), said second portion (20) being referred to as "passenger portion", said second portion (20) comprising elements specific to the passenger seat (13),

-the crew portion (19) and the passenger portion (20) extending between a front side (21) and a rear side (22) of the first cabinet module (18),

-the crew portion (19) and the passenger portion (20) overlap each other longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the cabinet (17.1, 17.2).

2. The cabinet according to claim 1, wherein the crew portion (19) comprises a galley module (23), the galley module (23) accommodating at least one element selected from a trolley (24), a half-trolley (24'), a refrigerator or an oven.

3. A cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the crew portion (19) comprises a storage space (38), which storage space (38) accommodates equipment used by the crew.

4. A cabinet according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the passenger part (20) comprises a passenger seat (26) that is authenticated or not authenticated during landing and take-off phases.

5. Cabinet according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that the height (H1) of the crew portion (19) is larger than the height (H2) of the passenger portion (20).

6. Cabinet according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the crew part (19) and the part (20) for the passenger (18) have a common partition wall (29).

7. The cabinet according to claim 6, wherein the common dividing wall (29) forms a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (X3) of the cabinet (17.1, 17.2).

8. The cabinet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a second cabinet module (39), the second cabinet module (39) having a front side (40) and a rear side (41), the rear side (41) of the second cabinet module (39) being attached to the front side (21) of the first cabinet module (18), wherein there is no offset space between the rear side (41) of the second cabinet module (39) and the front side (21) of the first cabinet module (18).

9. The cabinet according to claim 8, further comprising a third cabinet module (43), the third cabinet module (43) having a front side (44) and a rear side (45), the rear side (45) of the third cabinet module (43) being attached to the front side (40) of the second cabinet module (39), wherein there is no offset space between the front side (40) of the second cabinet module (39) and the rear side (45) of the third cabinet module (43).

10. An aircraft cabin (10), the aircraft cabin (10) comprising at least one seating unit (11.1, 11.2) and at least one cabinet (17.1, 17.2) according to any one of the preceding claims.